Published Online: Aug 31, 2010

In a repeat of what has been happening to a number of terror accused in several jails across the country, it has come to light that one of the accused in the Delhi blasts case has also been subjected to brutal physical attack. Md Salman, arrested by Uttar Pradesh ATS on 6th March 2010 for his alleged involvement in Delhi Blasts has been in judicial custody in Tihar Jail since then. The Delhi Bomb blast case is being heard by Additional Sessions Judge Ms. Santosh Snehi Mann.

Salman was brought to court with this entire head bandaged today (31.08.2010).

Salman’s account of the attack on him on 27.08.2010.

On being asked what happened. He told the Court that on last day of hearing (27.8.2010) when he was taken back to Tihar jail No. 5, on his way back to his cell, one inmate named Deepak alias Jhugiwala assaulted him with a blade. There are multiple razor cuts on both sides of his face. In total, Salman said he has 22 stitches on his face. On being asked by the Judge, he further revealed that no proper attention was paid by the Tihar Jail authorities. After the incident he said that he a small bandage was put on the wound and then some jail authority came to meet him. Salman stated that despite this bandage, he was bleeding profusely. According to Salman's account after getting bandaged he was sent back to his cell and for next three days he was completely unattended and no medical assistance was given to him. No one ever came to check him up even when he was bleeding badly and was in lot of pain.

He told the judge that no one in jail would take care of him in the jail and he is scared for his security. He added, the officials in jail after the incident were laughing on him and said “Yeh toh terrorist hain, iske saath yahi hona chaiye”. Salman told the court that he firmly believes that its the jail officials who have intentionally let this incident happen and therefore he doesn’t want to go to the same jail. According to him, these 'Bladebaaz' can get the keys of the cell and enter in the cell to attack the inmate. The jail authorities can easily be bribed for minimal amount like Rs. 500-1000, so that they can get keys of the cell and attack the person.

Counsel for Salman pointed out that two applications were moved earlier before the Court of the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, then presided over by Ms. Kaveri Baweja, and one subsequent application was moved before the Additional Sessions Judge, Ms. Santosh Snehi Mann seeking his transfer from Jail No. 5 where he was lodged. These applications were filed as Salaman had feared that some harm may come to him in Jail No. 5. Salman today insisted that he be transferred to another Jail as he is sure that he would be attacked again in Jail No. 5. Further, Counsel for Salman told the Court that no FIR has been filed and no action whatsoever has been taken against any of the people involved in this incident.

The Court heard his submissions and asked Salman's counsel to move a formal application, detailing all the facts with regard to the incident and directed the jail authorities to shift Salman out of Jail No. 5. Tihar Jail authorities were also asked to file a status report by tomorrow, i.e. 1 September 2010.

JTSA demands that jail authorities, who wilfully or through their deliberate negligence allowed the attack to be carried out must be punished. Salman's security must be ensured.

Sd/-

Manisha Sethi (9811625577)

and Adil Mehdi (9990923027)

www.teacherssolidarity.org

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